Your guide to the best natural deodorants in Australia
Choosing a natural deodorant can be challenging because, technically, everything on Earth is made of chemicals.
So, what makes them ‘natural’?
The term ‘natural’ deodorant is not a technical one. It’s more of a collective term that can describe deodorants that don’t contain active ingredients from the aluminium family, which is typically found in antiperspirants.
Before we jump into our guide to the best natural deodorants in Australia, let’s have a quick refresher on how deodorant works.
How does deodorant work?
People tend to reach for deodorant if they’re worried that they have a bit of a body odour pong going on. The funky smell comes from a combination of:
- chemicals in sweat
- waste products excreted from the skin
- bacteria that naturally live on your skin
Unlike antiperspirants that use chemical agents like aluminium to reduce sweating, deodorants don’t stop sweating but focus more on masking smells. However, most conventional deodorant sprays you find on the shelves are a combination of deodorant and antiperspirant.
What makes a deodorant ‘natural’?
Generally speaking, a ‘natural’ deodorant is created without synthetic chemicals, artificial preservatives or fragrances. When compared to a conventional deodorant that often contains antiperspirant ingredients, a natural alternative instead focuses on masking smell and promoting anti-bacterial support.
Did you know sweating is the body’s natural way of detoxing and eliminating waste products? Some people opt for natural deodorants so they don’t interfere with this process, however, the science around this theory is not yet confirmed. One study did confirm that the use of antiperspirants increased the amount of Actinobacteria (a naturally occurring bacteria on the skin responsible for pongy pits).
*Insert a natural deodorant solution* These are not antiperspirant, but instead allow for natural detoxing and give your pits a much needed waft of tropical musk (if that’s your chosen scent).
A Natural disclaimer
For natural deodorant first-timers, it would be remiss to not mention a potential side effect of the initial transition. If you have heard of the ‘armpit detox’, it is a popular phenomenon experienced by those breaking up with their long term antiperspirant deodorant and starting a new found relationship with the natural side.
As mentioned above, antiperspirants may increase the amount of Actinobacteria on the skin, therefore, making the switch can initially increase the amount of odour- causing bacteria until the armpit microbiome (yes it's a thing) establishes its new found colony of healthy microbes. Hopefully without the pong.
Without further adieu, let's dive into our favourite natural deodorants for this season!
What makes a deodorant ‘natural’?
Natural deodorant sprays
Prefer a natural spray deodorant over roll-ons or sticks?
Weleda Citrus Deodorant Spray has a natural freshness, with the zing of lemon and orange essential oils to neutralise body odours. Pores stay unclogged and skin can breathe, so there’s no long-term itch or irritation. This deodorant is in a recyclable glass bottle, with a non-aerosol pump spray, no aluminium, and all natural ingredients.
Crystal Mineral Deodorant Spray Pomegranate is a clever, crystal mineral-enriched formula to create a barrier that helps to protect against odour-causing bacteria with a fruity pomegranate aroma.
Noosa Basics Sandalwood Deodorant Spray is free of Aluminium, preservatives, parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol (Talk about Natural!) Handcrafted in Noosa, Australia in small batches on a weekly basis to ensure freshness with an alluring sandalwood scent.
Natural deodorant paste
Noosa Basics Deodorant Tin - Rose & Frankincense is a handbag-friendly, easy-to-use paste with delicate aromas of an english garden; this organic, all-natural deodorant will keep you fresh as a daisy (or rose) all day long.
The Herb Farm Deodorant Paste Ylang Ylang & Orange is enriched with shea butter, coconut and calendula oils. This deodorant paste helps to soothe and moisturise the sensitive underarm area, while baking soda and tapioca powder help to absorb moisture and prevent odour.
The Physic Garden Deodorant Fragrance Free is Naturopathically formulated for gentle, sensitive skin. One application is all you need to keep you odour-free throughout your busy day. Easy to apply, rub a pearl-sized amount under your arms each morning, for a super-smooth finish.
Roll-on natural deodorant
Did you know that the first roll-on deodorant was inspired by the ballpoint pen around 1950? And today, over 70 years later, roll-on deodorants are still a popular option.
Weleda Sea Buckthorn 24h Roll-On Deodorant is quick-drying, non-sticky and comfortable to use even straight after shaving. Enjoy the enlivening, fresh fragrance with natural essential oils as well as soothing sea buckthorn and licorice root.
The Herb Farm Fresh Roll On Deodorant made with echinacea and calendula, helps to control odour without interfering with your body’s natural cooling system, leaving you feeling ready to embrace the day.
Noosa Basics Charcoal & Eucalyptus Deodorant Roll on is made with organic tapioca and kaolin clay to help absorb moisture as well as nourishing aloe vera and organic coconut oil to help you feel fresh.
Natural deodorant sticks
If you are looking for a natural deodorant stick, look no further.
Noosa Basics Deodorant Stick - Coco Vanilla is aluminium free and palm oil free. If you’re looking for that all year round Island summer vibe, this coconut and vanilla scent is for you.
Looking for a little extra care for under arms? Woohoo Body Deodorant & Anti-Chafe Stick Wild - Extra Strength has you covered doubling as a natural deodorant and a chafe stick, to reduce rubbing and discomfort from skin-on-skin or skin-on-clothing, contact. The extra strength comes from the zesty citrus essential oils and the synergy of 4 deodorising ingredients - bicarb soda, coconut oil, triethyl citrate (triethyl citrate is natural and is derived from citric acid and breaks down the bacteria that makes you smell) and zinc oxide and minimises wetness with absorbent starches and clays. What a winner!
If you haven’t yet joined the Palo Santo train, it's time to indulge in this Humble Brands Original Formula Deodorant Palo Santo and Frankincense. It is one sensual and woodsy aromatic with a hint of sweet tonka bean. This unique scent is so alluring you’ll want to reapply all day, even though you won’t need to.
Extra Natural Odour-Care
If you are a part of the natural deodorant first-timers club, Woohoo body has you covered with their Woohoo Body Armpit Detox Mask to help ease into the natural transition.
In need of 24 hour protection? Weleda Men 24h Roll-on Deodorant offers reliable protection with no aluminium salts. The easy-to-use roll-on has a masculine yet refined scent. Woody herbal notes of rosemary combined with invigorating fresh essential oils, makes this deodorant a great long-wearing choice.
Do you have extra sensitive skin? Grants Natural Crystal Deodorant is made only with mineral salts and nothing else. Free from essential oils or bicarbonate soda that may cause irritation, this deodorant is fragrance-free, leaving your natural pheromones to do the work!
Making a naturally informed decision
With so many options in front of you in the shops, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by choices. But when you know what you’re looking at and understand what goes into the products you use, you can make the best decision for you and your family.
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Reviewed by the healthylife Advisory Board December 2021.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health you should consult with a health professional.